Wakhallon Mannaba Apunba (WAMA) Kangleipak has demanded the immediate resignation of BJP Manipur Pradesh president A. Sarda Devi, alleging that she has failed to protect the indigenous people of Manipur while taking no disciplinary action against seven Kuki BJP MLAs reportedly seeking a separate administration.
In a press release signed by its publicity secretary, Lamdamba Salam, WAMA questioned why Sarda Devi had not initiated disciplinary proceedings against the seven MLAs, including expelling them from the party, over their reported demand for a separate administration from the Government of India. The organisation alleged that party interests were being prioritised over the lives and security of the indigenous population.
WAMA alleged that despite the loss of civilian lives since May 3, 2023, Sarda Devi had failed to take decisive action against the MLAs concerned. It questioned her continued leadership, arguing that those holding positions of responsibility must be accountable for their response to the ongoing crisis.
The organisation also referred to the alleged killing and mutilation of Naga civilians by Kuki militants and the deaths of three men from Khundrakpam Assembly Constituency, citing the incidents as examples of the continuing civilian casualties and the prevailing security concerns.
Questioning Sarda Devi’s continued leadership, WAMA maintained that she should step down if she was unable to protect the indigenous population and take action against party members accused of supporting a separate administration. It further stated that if restrictions on holding two positions simultaneously were affecting her ability to discharge her responsibilities effectively, she should resign from the state BJP president’s post.
The organisation also claimed that public anger against Sarda Devi had been growing, with women staging protests and burning her effigies at several locations. It said the demonstrations reflected mounting frustration over civilian killings and what it described as the failure of political leaders to ensure public safety.
WAMA asserted that political and party interests should not take precedence over the lives and security of the indigenous people. It reiterated its demand for Sarda Devi’s immediate resignation and called for concrete measures to protect civilians, prevent further killings and ensure lasting peace and security in Manipur.
